The Training System What is VET?

Vocational Education & Training is ‘education and training for work’ and part of a broader educational network in Australia

The Australian VET system is one of the most sophisticated in the world because it is:

Industry-led National Client focused

What is VET? Cont… Three identifiable sectors in Australian

education system: HE (higher education) VET (vocational education and training) Schools

Some dual sector VET/HE institutions but each sector has its own: Institutions Administrative arrangements Sets of qualifications

Overlapping Program Delivery VET Programs delivered in schools VET Programs delivered in universities

HigherEducation VET Schools

VET policies & frameworks

The National Training Framework (NTF) Training packages The Australian Quality Training Framework

(AQTF) – currently AQTF 2007 The Australian Qualifications Framework

(AQF) User choice Traineeship and apprenticeship

arrangements The National Reporting System (NRS)

National Training Framework (NTF)

The National Training Framework (NTF) is made up of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and Training Packages

The NTF is a nationally consistent, industry-led system designed to: provide high-quality skill outcomes to maintain individuals’

employability and increase their productivity provide for nationally recognised qualifications, and improve the competitiveness of enterprises and the nation

National Training Strategies• Towards a Skilled Australia (1994-1998)• A Bridge to the Future (1998-2003)• Shaping Our Future (2004-2010)

Builds on achievements of the two previous national VET strategies, with the vision:

VET works for Australian businesses – making them internationally competitive

VET works for people – giving Australians world-class skills and knowledge

VET works for communities – making them inclusive and sustainable

Other national strategies• The Australian Flexible Learning Framework for VET

2000-2004 A nationally agreed set of goals, principles and actions

to help Australian people and industries make a rapid and successful transition to the information economy

• Bridging Pathways A five-year (2000-2005) national strategy and

implementation plan for increasing VET opportunities for people with a disability

• Partners in a Learning Culture A five-year (2000 – 2005) national strategy and

implementation plan for increasing VET opportunities for Indigenous people

New Directions for VET The Directions Paper Skilling Australia –

New Directions for Vocational Education and Training set out possible models for a new national training system from 1 July 2005 when responsibilities of the Australian National Training Authority transfer to the Department of Education, Science and Training.

Skilling Australia Skilling Australia’s Workforce Act 2005 2005-2008 Commonwealth-State

Agreement for Skilling Australia’s Workforce

National Goals & Objectives Industry will have a highly skilled workforce to

support strong performance in the global economy

Employers and individuals will be at the centre of VET

Communities and regions will be strengthened economically and socially through learning and employment

Indigenous Australians will have skills for viable jobs and their learning culture will be shared

National Priorities Improving the system’s responsiveness to rapid

changes in demand for skills development and addressing skills shortages, especially in traditional trades and in emerging industries

Delivering improved outcomes for employers, individuals and communities

Improving quality Increasing participation and up-skilling mature

age workers Encouraging greater re-engagement in training

by Australians who are not fully participating in the labour market

Key VET Organisations & Stakeholders Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) – from

1 July 2005 the responsibilities and functions of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) were transferred to DEST

State and Territory training authorities (STAs) Industry Skills Councils (ISCs) – national industry advisory

boards State and Territory ISCs State and Territory course accrediting bodies National and state employer and employee organisations Australian Apprenticeship Centres (formally New

Apprenticeship Centres NACs) Training and assessment organisations (TAFE, private

commercial colleges or companies, enterprises, community organisations, group training companies and schools